Chelsea’s title challenge has been dealt a huge blow with news Alvaro Morata could be sidelined for more than a month with a hamstring injury.
Morata limped off 35 minutes into Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend but Antonio Conte was hopeful his star striker had escaped serious injury.
The 24-year-old joined up with his international teammates at the start of the week but Spanish medical doctors have now confirmed Chelsea’s worst fears, revealing Morata has suffered a grade 2 hamstring injury.
While Chelsea are yet to comment on the injury and will likely take their own assessment before clarifying the news, it means Morata faces the prospect of being sidelined for more than a month.
The reigning Premier League champions missed out on signing Fernando Llorente on the final day of the summer transfer window and Conte does not appear to completely trust Michy Batshuayi after replacing Morata with Willian against City.
Morata is now expected to miss Chelsea’s next eight matches, including a Champions League double header against Roma, while he remains a serious doubt for the reception of Manchester United on November 5.
The former Real Madrid forward has made a thoroughly impressive start to the season and his absence is a huge blow for Conte’s side.
In fact, only Romelu Lukaku (7) has scored more Premier League goals than Morata (6) this season, while only Falcao (4) has scored more headed goals in Europe’s top five leagues (Morata (3).
